Green Horse Trough

Hot sun on my back, leaning over the horse trough,
scrubbing the green slim off the sides.
The edge burns my hands and arms as I look for a hold,
Finally cooling the rim with water from the pump.

The bouquet from the trough instantly painted a familiar picture
Of hot, still summer lakes,
Sitting under ancient willows,
Fishing for what ever small life would sacrifice itself to a young fisherman.

Water bugs scoot around the tall grasses ringed with green algae.
Teased by a breeze, willow fingers wrap around a daydream.
One of conquering its mighty branches, with tree houses and rope swings,
While crawdads keep stealing the bait.

The water is clean and clear and cool again.
With memories of her own, my horse pays homage to my work
By burying her face in the trough up to her eyes,
And blowing bubbles out of her nose.


(Some warm nostalgia for a cold winter day.)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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A   Avatar
March 29, 2012 at 8:49 AM
congrats on your featured poem of the week
Meyer Avatar
April 2, 2012 at 10:06 PM
Thank you! And I was just cleaning that same water trough yesterday. It wasn't hot out, so didn't evoke the same memories.
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
March 28, 2012 at 5:56 PM
Congrats Judith on your poem being featured.
Meyer Avatar
March 28, 2012 at 10:11 PM
Thank you Vince for stopping by to say hello. Nice to hear from you. (I haven't been around much.)
Brown Avatar
March 28, 2012 at 6:26 AM
Congratulations on your premium featured write this week Judith. Love, Carol
Meyer Avatar
March 28, 2012 at 8:30 AM
Carol. (Love your little bunny :-) Been a long time since I've heard from you, and even longer visa versa. I have to come here more. Thank you so much for taking the time to stop and say hello. ~J~
Cornwall Avatar
March 27, 2012 at 8:10 AM
wonderful poem and congrats onfeature..pleaseread my poem famous boots about my friend and her horse,,its true..Patrick
Austin Avatar
March 26, 2012 at 3:15 PM
You just warmed me, Judith, with your artistically described fantasy. Congrats on the selection. daver
Meyer Avatar
March 27, 2012 at 12:57 PM
Thank you Daver. It was a fond memory indeed!
Parker Avatar
August 19, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Your memories brought back alot of my own when I had horses. Wonderfully written!...Cindy
Meyer Avatar
March 28, 2012 at 8:32 AM
I would like to say I "know" I thanked you for your comment in '08 ... but ... Isn't it amazing what will trigger a memory?! And with horses, and the love we have for them, there seem to be many triggers. Thank you for your comment Caroline.
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